The Watershed Center regularly collaborates with independent contractors. Check this page for recent Requests for Proposals.

Forestry Technicians Curriculum Developer and Instructor Request for Proposals
Responses due by midnight PST January 15, 2025

The Watershed Research and Training Center is seeking a qualified consultant to: 

(1) Draft a technical training curriculum and 

(2) Cooperatively deliver a multi-day, in-person, hands-on training for Forestry Technicians as the lead instructor. (With the assistance of 3-4 additional instructors provided by WRTC, USDA Forest Service, or other partnering organizations)

WRTC has drafted an outline of the Units and associated Learning Objectives. (See Proposal Process for instructions on how to access, download, and annotate this). Respondents can propose edits or additions to this outline, and should submit an annotated version of that outline with their proposal.

Each unit of the curriculum should have instructor talking points, discussion questions, bullet points, a hands-on or interactive activity (e.g. independent work, small group prompt, etc), and a visual aid/s (video, graphic, etc). Learning Objectives marked as “field-based practicum required” should include step-by-step instructions for the instructor to walk the students through the activity/skill.

This opportunity relates to workforce and career development work we are conducting as part of our Regional Forest and Fire Capacity Program. This effort seeks to invest in entry-level forestry practitioners by providing an early career training and certification opportunity that equips them to succeed with relevant soft and technical skills. See the attached RFP for more information including our leader's intent for this effort, information about the students, curriculum parameters, the proposal process, and intended timeline.

Community Navigators Initiative Federal Grant Application & Management Support Request for Proposals

The Watershed Research & Training Center is seeking contractors to support community-based organizations around the United States in applying for, and successfully managing and reporting on federal grants and partnership initiatives. Specifically, the contractor will support applicants to Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)-funded programs administered by the USDA Forest Service through an initiative called Community Navigators.

Selected contractors will advise, coach, and help navigate organizations that serve historically underserved and underrepresented communities at high risk of wildfire and climate change impacts in accessing US Forest Service programs and funding opportunities. Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis.